URIEL Ugozi Oputa, who is better known as Uriel Oputa, rose to prominence in 2017 when she participated in the popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija. Though she was evicted from biggie’s house after six weeks, Uriel has been able to turn things around for herself. In this interview with OLAITAN GANIU, she speaks about her passion for cooking, relationship and her mum, among other issues. Excerpts
Childhood experience
Uriel Oputa left Nigeria at the age of six with her single mother to live in London. Her widow mother engaged in different menial works to cater for her children.
“We didn’t have money because my mum was an immigrant and widow,” Uriel said.
“She didn’t have the legal document but she tried her best to do menial jobs to take care of me and my four brothers. My mum made sure we had a good education, home training and she always feed us with the word of God. I’m always grateful to her for raising us up abroad despite her struggling.”
Uriel studied Nursing in the United Kingdom but probably because she comes from an entertainment-oriented family, she never practiced. She is a cousin to one of Nigeria’s most controversial entertainers, Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa popularly known as Charly Boy or Area Fada, who happens to be the second son of late Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.
Music career
To many, it may be surprising that Uriel has been in the entertainment industry for over a decade as a singer. In fact, before she auditioned to the Big Brother Naija, she released a song titled, ‘Desire.’
“My kind of music is a blend of Igbo language, which is my heritage,” she said.
“You can basically define it as Afrohouse/Igbohouse.”
She added: “I had always known that I would in showbiz because I came from a musical family. Everyone in my family is doing music including my mother and four brothers. So, I started music at a younger age. I always tap inspirations from uncle (Charly Boy) and encouraged me a lot.”
However, she admits that she hasn’t paid more attention to her music career.
But while she didn’t break into the Nigeria music industry as a musician, luck shone on her after she featured in the second season of the Big Brother Naija: See Gobbe in 2017, which Michael “Efe” Ejeba won. Even though Uriel didn’t make it to the final, her six weeks was a great opportunity.
Passion for cooking
She instantly hit the limelight after her eviction from Biggie’s house, getting an endorsement with Payporte and Shapes By Mena. And she continued chasing her dream path in cooking, music and advocacy. About half of Uriel’s Instagram posts are on food, cooking and health tips. Hence, it was little surprise when she became a brand ambassador to Indomie Noodles.
“I have been developing my art for cooking and talking and it has been amazing,” she said.
“I recently concluded my cooking show, ‘Uriel Kitchen’ and started working on my cooking book. I also started a travel blog where I will be traveling to other countries to cook, learn their culture and tradition. And again, I’m focusing on getting more endorsement deals. I feel so positive about the possibilities ahead.”
The TV reality star said her short-term goal is to have restaurants across Africa and get married with kids. But she has other plans for the future.
“In the next five years, I would’ve been a business mogul. I want to have my restaurants, UU’s Kitchen, across Africa countries. I want to have my own seasonings, I am going to married to my husband with children. Basically, happiness is the goal.”
And while some people have stressed on an acting career for her, she declines.
“I was told to actually go for acting but it is not for me. I am very happy doing what I do, cooking.”
On missing BBNaija
On what she missed most about the Big Brother Naija, Uriel said: “I don’t really miss anything as such but I’m very grateful for the platform and of course I still speak with other housemates.”
She further made a comparison between when she was part of the reality show and the recently concluded edition.
“My season is what really loud everything when people saw how we shot into fame,” she said.
“I will say that every year, there are different personalities in the biggie’s house because the Big Brother always wanting something unique. So, I can’t really say that something is lacking this year because the character every housemates a portrayed is what the organisers want.”
Relationship and love life
Though Uriel is single, she is not under pressure to jump into the relationship. Upon being probed about her relationship status, Uriel responded: “You want to give me husband or you want to marry me? (laughing).
“Yes, I’m single but I know that very soon my husband will be available. Just because your friends got married earlier doesn’t mean you must also rush into it. Marriage should be about happiness and that is my stand.
She, however, defines her type of man as somebody that is jovial but one with a vision.
However, reports have it that Uriel has a crush for world-famous British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, whom she usually posts on her social media platforms. The duo recently met in Lagos when Joshua visited Nigeria.
Fashion sense
Another interesting thing about Uriel is her love for African fashion. It is the reason why many refer to him as ‘Mama Africa’ as she never fails to project Africa.
She usually jazzes up events with her cute and flirty with her hairstyles.
“Trust me, I love being African,” she said.
“I love our fabrics and Jewellery. It feels natural to be a black woman. I am always trying to combine my British and Nigerian identities in my dressing.
About her ill mum
Uriel hardly grants an interview without mentioning her aging mum whom she says motivates her despite her illness.
“I spend most of my time to take care of my mum. She has Alzheimer (a disease, which makes older people forget basic things). I always want her to be happy because she’s all I have.”
Recently, Uriel shared a picture of her old mum wearing makeup.
“She did her makeup herself,” she wrote on the post.
“I’m so proud. Please, clap for her Biko… Don’t worry will teach you how to draw eyebrows, not Line.”
Advice for fans
Advising her fans, Uriel said that they should always make sure they prove their critics wrong.
“Don’t worry about where your friends, the family are, or tell you the position you are supposed to be. When it’s your time, trust me, you will shine. Just keep pushing, have faith, through the struggle and pain there is going to be a light.”
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